Cosmetology at Charleston Cosmetology Institute
a smaller institution with 89 students in Charleston, SC.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $18,084/yr, roughly in line with the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $18,084 far exceeding the $6,333 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #392 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Charleston Cosmetology Institute scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $19,805 are relatively flat compared to the $18,084 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
Cosmetology offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Cosmetology graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal service managers, all other | $61,340 | +6.5% | 48% |
| Makeup artists, theatrical and performance | $50,280 | +8.1% | 66% |
| First-line supervisors of personal service workers | $47,080 | +6.7% | 59% |
Cosmetology Career Guide
See the full career breakdown for Cosmetology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Charleston Cosmetology Institute and 1094 other schools.